Where to get a VISA Electron card?

MoneyMagnet

I have a couple of instant access savings accounts with the Co-op that came with Electron cards - I think they're called Cashsavers (can't remember exactly off the top of my head)

superstar_2

I applied HBOS Easycash sometime ago and called them after no reply for 2 weeks. They said they do nothave any details, may be some problems and asked me to reapply again. Told me that it can be done via post, online or branch. Branch being the quickest!

Went in to TWO branches the next day and was told that they do NOT open Easycash in the branch and had to do it online or by post. So, i opened them again online. That was last week, rang them again today and was told they have no such records. Are they playing mickey mouse with me? :mad:

The chap told me to reapply!? I wouldnt have bothered getting one if not of ryanair. Argh, anyone had similar problem?

PixelPound

The HBOS EasyCash isn't an account they promote or anything, I think its there purely because they needed an account for people who don't normally qualify for accounts (the welcome letter states how to get benefits paid in from DWP).

The letter says to telephone 08458 50 55 25 if there are any questions, so I'd advise anyone concerned at non-receipt to telephone them, to see the progress of their application.

ShelfStacker_3

That's precisely the point of the EasyCash. The government has made it clear to the banks that they should offer basic bank accounts, but because Halifax don't make any money out of them they treat people with them fairly badly (can't operate an account in branch, for instance). It's basically, "We have to do this, but we're not going to do it without a fight."

Personally I'd just say to avoid Halifax and either go for the Co-Op's Cashminder (which has an Electron card) or Lloyds TSB's Cash Account, if not one of the myriad other accounts that don't treat people like second class citizens.

superstar_2

ShelfStacker wrote: »

That's precisely the point of the EasyCash. The government has made it clear to the banks that they should offer basic bank accounts, but because Halifax don't make any money out of them they treat people with them fairly badly (can't operate an account in branch, for instance). It's basically, "We have to do this, but we're not going to do it without a fight."

Personally I'd just say to avoid Halifax and either go for the Co-Op's Cashminder (which has an Electron card) or Lloyds TSB's Cash Account, if not one of the myriad other accounts that don't treat people like second class citizens.

Lloyds offers debit card.

System

superstar wrote: »

Lloyds offers debit card.

The LloydsTSB Account comes with a Visa Debit card, which won't give you cheaper flights....That's the point of this thread - Co-op Cashminder or BOS/Halifax Easycash come with Visa Electron.

However, I was told that BOS will give you counter service, but they couldn't open them in the branch.

razorlaugh

StanDupright wrote: »

Having made a career of playing the Ryanair system I wanted to hit them with an Electron card payment but was far from keen on opening a `basic` account to get one. The key is that the Electron payment is checked for available funds, thus safeguarding the retailer. Trawling NatWest I find that they offer Gift Cards that are `accepted by Electron equipped retailers world wide, including online`. Go to bank, hand over cash and get a charged card that you can then activate and enter to pay for the Ryanair flight. Drawback is that you need to round the figure up, so torn between letting them keep my 2p change as their `administration fee` or asking for a refund or credit aginst next booking!

Thanks Standup. That's a good alternative, especially while I wait for my Electron card to come through (I applied via telephone for the Co-op Cashminder account). On the down side, I read on NatWest's small print that they charge £3 for the gift card you mention, which is a pity. Coupled with the rounding up I'll have to do, it will take a near-£4 chunk out of the £8 Ryanair fees I'm trying to save!

But thanks for the info all the same, I didn't know about the gift cards. I might get one today.

PixelPound

HBOS Easycash can be operated in branch. You can pay-in & withdraw at the counter within a branch (went in today and topped up, got home and the cash is there going to book my ryanair flight now). Had a chat as had to order a new pin (initial one was water damaged :-( ) and it is essentially a "self service" account where you can pay in via the quick-deposit withdraw via ATM, but can use the counter if want.

I didn't know about the coop cashminder, as paying in via the PO would mean a 300mtre walk rather than a 3 mile car ride, but the easycash will do me fine - I'll only be using it for ryanair.

If anyone is having problem applying online, try the phone as there's an option on that 0845 no I gave to actually apply.

babybimbles

StanDupright wrote: »

Having made a career of playing the Ryanair system I wanted to hit them with an Electron card payment but was far from keen on opening a `basic` account to get one. The key is that the Electron payment is checked for available funds, thus safeguarding the retailer. Trawling NatWest I find that they offer Gift Cards that are `accepted by Electron equipped retailers world wide, including online`. Go to bank, hand over cash and get a charged card that you can then activate and enter to pay for the Ryanair flight. Drawback is that you need to round the figure up, so torn between letting them keep my 2p change as their `administration fee` or asking for a refund or credit aginst next booking!

Hi there, about to book flights costing £370 increasing to a whopping £416 if paying by visa... is the Natwest gift card tried and tested? Am keen to send hubby to the bank tomorrrow!

tia

superstar_2

babybimbles wrote: »

Hi there, about to book flights costing £370 increasing to a whopping £416 if paying by visa... is the Natwest gift card tried and tested? Am keen to send hubby to the bank tomorrrow!

tia

They should work fine. No personal experience though. Just remember that there is a fee for the card and an expiry date - usually 12 months.